This weekend is the Chinese New Year--Happy Year of the Fire Rooster!!!“This is the year for organizing, refining and elegance. It’s time to tidy and get things neat. Get your affairs in order, accounts up to the minute and documents systematically filed away. Create an environment where everything is organized and your schedules are programmed. When it comes to making decisions of any kind, consider carefully all sides of a situation. The #1 word of the year is Loyalty!”

Since our organizing focus this month is the Master Bedroom (by the way, how’s it going?), I thought you might want to see the sitting area of a bedroom where the clutter has been cleared--and there is space for beauty and balance to flow in. My client and I had so much fun of creating this lovely, Feng Shui-ed sitting area together...

Feng Shui Details:

Connection & Intimacy--Two chairs “in conversation” with each other create an environment where the couple can talk, connect, and enjoy each other's’ company.

Passion--The grey-tone zebra print was chosen for it’s “Fire” and “Passion” energy to balance the elements in the room and promote romance. (Animals and animal prints correspond to Fire Energy.)

Cozy Chi--The fabric is soft, the chairs are rounded, the fuschia pillows are velvet. Everything was carefully chosen to also provide a COZY place to sit.

Light--The beautiful crystal lamp adds elegance, as do the grey silk drapes. The mirrored table reflects the outdoors, and the light, creating a shimmery surface.

Versatility--This space, tucked so sweetly into the bay window, pulls the couple in for talking, reading, drinking coffee in the morning, checking email, journaling and chatting on the phone. It feels like they can’t resist--the space supports their lives and their connection in an exquisite way.

If you would like to create a gem of a space like this for your self, please let me know, I would love to be part of your transformation!

Lots of Love​XOXO

SUCCESS STORY: “Thank you for lighting the fire in me--the clutter is quickly disappearing, one damn box/bag at a time. Nothing’s safe! I feel better and better and better. You gave me the INSPIRATION I needed--loved your talk at the Women’s Expo!”~ Sandra T., MSW, MadisonPHOTO CREDIT: 123rf.comJanice Laufenberg

Thank you all very much for your sweet condolences on the passing of my father. I so appreciate your messages. Lots to do last week, but things feel a little more “normal” today--we will just keep taking things one day at a time! I had the chance to have a little granddaughter time this week, too--Harper LOVES to read! It’s so AMAZING to me, how much she’s changed in one year...little cutie-pie :)

And, it’s AMAZING to me how much things change for my clients so quickly, too!Things Happen--and it’s no coincidence that they happen as a result of adjusting the energy of your home. So, whether it’s clearing out old, stagnant energy or enhancing your space using beautiful Feng Shui Design...if your intention is to make changes in your life, consider that your home could be used a tool for transformation.Once a month, I’m planning to answer your questions on the blog and I was BLOWN AWAY by the wonderful questions so many of you sent in last week...This month, Melanie, a professional organizer(!), asked this question:

“How can I use Feng Shui in my home to increase the health & wellness of my family? My family has been passing around a superbug for about 3 months now. I know it will pass eventually, but what can I do with my space to bring good health and wellness going forward?”

Hi, Melanie,Thank you very much--your question is a wonderful place to start this year-long series!!! And, I hope you and your family are already on the mend--no fun to be sick for that long!I know your home is decluttered, since this is the work you do, too! I hope you (and our readers) will find something below to move the health of you and your family in a positive direction! (You know that I am not a doctor and am not dispensing medical advice, just giving you the benefit of my Feng Shui experience/training and opinions of what has worked for me and my family…)In the Feng Shui Bagua (or map), the area for health is in the center--place the career section at your front door to orient.

​It’s important to note this location, because if we don’t have our health, then it may be hard to optimally be creating wealth, beautiful relationships, harmony and balance in the rest of our lives. It is THE MOST IMPORTANT area to consider--thus its central location in the bagua.

First--

Take a look at the center of your home--on all levels, especially the basement.

The basement relates to our subconscious and often holds a lot of the reasons that we may be stressed, uneasy or feeling “dis-ease”.

Is there clutter, unfinished projects or any stagnancy in the center of your home or the basement?

Check for mold or musty areas in forgotten closets or crawl spaces under the house.

Handle these projects first and see what happens.

Consider painting the basement walls a cheery yellow--the color of health. I LOVE the color hibiscus (Benjamin Moore) for forgotten spaces like basements or laundry rooms. It brings A LOT of health energy to a room.

Second--

Look for clutter in general (the entire house)--even if you think it’s all gone, and I know you’re careful about this, take another pass through and see if you can let go of more.

Look for items the kids have outgrown, go through closets, papers, kitchen items, photos and mementos.

The clutter/health connection is a big one, I’ve seen it over and over with clients.

Third--

Choose lighting, images or anything with with the number 5 for this center area. Five is the number of fingers and toes we have on each hand and foot--it speaks to our “humanness” and feels solid and safe in relation to our health. Examples would be: A chandelier with 5 arms, 5 hooks for coats, or a photo of 5 family members (include the pets if you have to) enjoying a sunny day.

Consider the art images that are being displayed in your entire home. Do they depict Health? Vibrancy? Joy? Are they current and speaking to your future or pulling you backwards into the past?

Are the paint colors in your home, especially the center, fresh and alive?

It is an important way that my family stays healthy. It kills a high percentage of all bacteria and viral bugs. We use it in a variety of ways: ingesting it, using it topically, diffusing it, AND using the Thieves cleaning products which are AMAZING! I can’t say enough about the benefits we’ve experienced using these products.

Contact Lora Klitzke if you would like to discuss options tailored to you and your family.

Melanie, please let me know how everything goes for you or if you have any follow-up questions!

Sending you tons of love,XO

PS: If you have any questions or comments related to the Feng Shui/ Health connection, find me on Facebook or Post a comment here.PSS: See you at the DreamBank next week!!!! Details below...SUCCESS STORY: “If I had to sum up working with Jane into one word, It would be JOY!” ~Ann J.

Family:My dad passed away on Saturday--91 years old! He had been in the AMAZING care of Hospice and Brookdale Center over the last few months. Humor, generosity and curiosity were his best qualities (IMO). I will definitely be moving into my future with these gifts tucked carefully into my heart. So, expect my newsletters to become even MORE FUNNY in the weeks to come--and you can thank my dad :)

(Still laughing 2 months ago!)

It would delight me no end if you were also inspired to create moments of humor, generosity and curiosity in your life this week (and always)!

Favor…

I have plans to write a Q & A blogpostonce a month for the entire year of 2017.

​So, if you want to have your question considered for publication, please forward it to me as soon as possible. Anything! Organization, Decluttering, Feng Shui or Design. Whatever’s been puzzling you in the area of your home or office environment.Just reply to this email...I would be so happy to hear from you! Lots of LoveXOXO

​PS: DreamBank Event coming up...please see details below. ​

Grab a friend and join us For a FREE EVENT at the DreamBank:“Declutter Your Home and Make Space For Your Dreams”Wednesday, January 25, at 12pm1 North Pinckney, Madison, WI

Hope you had a lovely holiday and had time to rest and rejuvenate. I rang in the new Year with this handsome guy (grandson, Jude)...

You’ve probably noticed that right about now, everyone is making BIG PLANS to accomplish BIG THINGS this year. You, too? Is clutter-clearing, organizing and editing your belongings on the list?

We know how the statistics go on this topic: Most people (75%) maintain their resolutions through the first week, and then the numbers fall dramatically with only 17% of people maintaining them for the entire year.

So, let’s get honest...it took a loooooooong time for your home to feel jammed and crammed, stuck and stuffed in every closet, cupboard and corner...

So, in 2017, we’re going to take the SLOW and STEADY approach. Because...THIS IS NOT A RACE! This is your life. If you’re going to do this yourself, then you need a plan that is sustainable.

I’m going to walk you through decluttering and organizing ONE SPACE each month so that by the end of the year, you will be feeling clearer, more peaceful and have space for new AMAZING opportunities to flow into your life.

If you spend a consistent, short amount of time (even 30 minutes a week!) clearing and organizing and you will be very happily surprised at the results when 2018 rolls around!

January--the Master Bedroom:

Start with your own room so that you have an inviting, clear space in which to recharge.

To Prepare for Success:

Bring with you several large plastic bags for donations, recycling and trash.

Turn your phone off or lock it in the car.

Tell your family that you need {X-amount of time} to work on a project and they could help by {doing something else} while you’re busy--might have to put spouse in charge.

Also, bring a Box or Basket to collect items that need to go out of the house--dry cleaning, tailor, returns, items to be repaired, etc. When you’re finished, put the box in your car or by the front door so that you’re ready for action.

Week #1: Nightstands--Take a look at the tops, drawers and shelves. What is still relevant? What can be tossed or donated? Are there charger cords in the back from 3 phones ago? Consider small divider boxes for items that tend to get mixed up in the drawers like pens for journaling, bookmark tabs, glasses for reading. Think minimal and clean, especially the top of the nightstand.

Week #2: Dresser tops and drawers--Start on top and systematically go through each drawer, putting like items together, removing the old, worn out pieces that you never wear. Remember to freshen up each drawer as you go (citrus essential oils are wonderful for this). This is your chance to intentionally keep or let go of items that are no longer a match to your glittering, gorgeous self.

Week #3: The Closet--Remember, your closet is not a museum. There is NO REASON to store the pink ruffled bridesmaid’s dress from the 90’s or skinny jeans that don’t fit.

The magic question with clothes is this…

“Do I Choose It?”

You may love certain clothes you’ve kept because they hold memories, or because they are a beautiful fabric, or have a designer label, but if you DO NOT choose to wear them, then they are taking up precious space and clogging your flow. Be ruthless, let them go.

Week #4: Under the bed--Completely clear under the bed to allow fresh air to flow through. Find alternate storage or make the tough decisions to get rid of these items. Your sleep will improve dramatically--try it!

Bonus rounds for you go-getters: (These items are ALL disruptive to rest and intimacy)

Books--keep the few you are currently reading

TV--put it SOMEWHERE ELSE

Exercise Equipment--ditto

Items that do not belong in your room--toys, construction materials, old catalogs, you get the picture...

Take the donation items away immediately--do not let them pile up in your home. Close this circle to feel the big WHOOSH of momentum that comes from completely finishing the task.

There! Feeling Better?

Please contact us if we can support you in this process. We are here for you and we LOVE hearing from you!

Lots of Love,XO

SUCCESS STORY:

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​“Winter Holiday=Sorting & Pitching! Since our phone conversation, there has been a lot of positive changes because of a lot of purging!”~ Amanda Uher, Teacher.